Common Myths about the GMAT
Myth: I can apply to a top b-school only if I have a 700+ GMAT
score.
Reality: Only 1% of all GMAT takers score 750 or higher, 7% score 700
or higher, 15% score 650 or higher and 30% score 600 and higher
(Guide to the use of GMAT scores effective Oct 1, 2003 (including
repeaters)).
A look at the sheer number of applicants tells us that the range of those
applying to top B-schools is from 650 onwards. But remember that the
rest of your application needs to be positioned in such a way as to
complement your score.
Myth: B-schools have cut-offs for GMAT scores.
Reality: Not really. However, In case your score is much lower than
their average score, you would need to really sparkle in your Essays &
Work Ex.
Even though most schools claim Not to have a cut off, most of the top
schools have an average GMAT score of 700+.
Myth: Since it is a standardized test, it can be beaten.
Reality: Apparently, the GMAT is a standardized test. True, but then
there is a slight twist to it.
The GMAT tests basic concepts. However, most of the winners have
found that as they keep solving questions correctly, they get similar
questions to those they have seen before.
This is because while the GMAT does test basic concepts, HOW it does
it can change.
Right from getting difficult probability questions, to getting four long RC
passages, to getting questions with apparently do not have a right
answer have been observed in the actual GMAT.
The best strategy is to focus on the basics first, and then you will be
prepared to tackle any twist in the exam.
E.g. for the chapter speed and distance, it is enough to fully understand
the following two formulae:
- Speed = Distance/Time
- Average Speed = Total distance/Total Time
As long as you can apply the above two formulae, any twist on the
questions will be easy for you.
However, without a strong grip on the basics it is almost impossible to
beat the GMAT using Short cuts or other tricks.
Myth: I can take the GMAT after sending In my application packet
to the school after the deadline.
Reality: Doesn’t really work. Your application will not be considered
without your scores, and your score will normally take at least 2 weeks
to be reported.
There are however changes afoot wherein the Schools will be able to
instantaneously view your GMAT score on the Web.
Myth: I can decide the schools I want to apply to after seeing my
GMAT scores.
Reality: You can indeed do that but you will need to pay extra for that.
You get to send your score to any five schools free of cost (The cost is
included In your Test fees), before you take the exam.
Any schools that you need to send to after the exam will require extra
payments to ETS.
A good strategy is to consider two schools for a high score scenario
and two schools for a lower score so that you are covered in either case.
Myth: I can send the school a photocopy of my unofficial/official
score report.
Reality: Schools normally don’t consider any report other than the
official report from ETS.
However with Pearson Vue taking over the test administration, the
schools will be instantaneously able to retrieve your score.
Myth: I can retake the GMAT as many times till I get my desired
score.
Reality: You can, but the better option would be to prepare well and
take it only once or twice.
Apart from the fact that it costs $250 each time you take it, your three
most recent scores are reported by ETS to the schools. So if your
scores are very different each time, you will need to explain why.
The reason usually is inadequate preparation first time, but this will
show you In poor light before the admissions committee.
score.
Reality: Only 1% of all GMAT takers score 750 or higher, 7% score 700
or higher, 15% score 650 or higher and 30% score 600 and higher
(Guide to the use of GMAT scores effective Oct 1, 2003 (including
repeaters)).
A look at the sheer number of applicants tells us that the range of those
applying to top B-schools is from 650 onwards. But remember that the
rest of your application needs to be positioned in such a way as to
complement your score.
Myth: B-schools have cut-offs for GMAT scores.
Reality: Not really. However, In case your score is much lower than
their average score, you would need to really sparkle in your Essays &
Work Ex.
Even though most schools claim Not to have a cut off, most of the top
schools have an average GMAT score of 700+.
Myth: Since it is a standardized test, it can be beaten.
Reality: Apparently, the GMAT is a standardized test. True, but then
there is a slight twist to it.
The GMAT tests basic concepts. However, most of the winners have
found that as they keep solving questions correctly, they get similar
questions to those they have seen before.
This is because while the GMAT does test basic concepts, HOW it does
it can change.
Right from getting difficult probability questions, to getting four long RC
passages, to getting questions with apparently do not have a right
answer have been observed in the actual GMAT.
The best strategy is to focus on the basics first, and then you will be
prepared to tackle any twist in the exam.
E.g. for the chapter speed and distance, it is enough to fully understand
the following two formulae:
- Speed = Distance/Time
- Average Speed = Total distance/Total Time
As long as you can apply the above two formulae, any twist on the
questions will be easy for you.
However, without a strong grip on the basics it is almost impossible to
beat the GMAT using Short cuts or other tricks.
Myth: I can take the GMAT after sending In my application packet
to the school after the deadline.
Reality: Doesn’t really work. Your application will not be considered
without your scores, and your score will normally take at least 2 weeks
to be reported.
There are however changes afoot wherein the Schools will be able to
instantaneously view your GMAT score on the Web.
Myth: I can decide the schools I want to apply to after seeing my
GMAT scores.
Reality: You can indeed do that but you will need to pay extra for that.
You get to send your score to any five schools free of cost (The cost is
included In your Test fees), before you take the exam.
Any schools that you need to send to after the exam will require extra
payments to ETS.
A good strategy is to consider two schools for a high score scenario
and two schools for a lower score so that you are covered in either case.
Myth: I can send the school a photocopy of my unofficial/official
score report.
Reality: Schools normally don’t consider any report other than the
official report from ETS.
However with Pearson Vue taking over the test administration, the
schools will be instantaneously able to retrieve your score.
Myth: I can retake the GMAT as many times till I get my desired
score.
Reality: You can, but the better option would be to prepare well and
take it only once or twice.
Apart from the fact that it costs $250 each time you take it, your three
most recent scores are reported by ETS to the schools. So if your
scores are very different each time, you will need to explain why.
The reason usually is inadequate preparation first time, but this will
show you In poor light before the admissions committee.
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